Here is one of those best practices I talk about … permission. When do you have permission to contact someone via email, phone or even on a Social Networking site. It’s important to realize that each networking or social site does have it’s own culture or set of “rules” to follow. While these may not be in some “rule” area of the site .. there are some basic best practices you should follow. I’ve listed a few here … while these are not all of them, they should help you get started in your New Media branding!
1. When first on a site … watch and see how those on the site interact with you and follow accordingly. If you are flooded with friend connections and requests… it’s safe to say it’s an open format for selecting whoever you want to connect with. If you are serious about targeting your market audience… this may not be a site for you.
2. Social Networking is about being social and interacting with people. Do NOT send your website address to new connections immediately for them to view without their permission or when appropriate. Think of it this way … if you were new to a business networking event in real life… would you walk up to anyone and say “Hi, my name is …, wanna buy my product?” then without listening to the person’s response, walk away to the next person doing the same thing? If you walked around the whole time during the networking event, not bothering to see what others are about and consistantly say “hi, wanna buy my product?” …”wanna buy my product?” people will ignore you and reserve a few choice names for you. In the social world… you get deleted.
3. Emailing someone. Just because you are connected with someone on a site that allows you to see their email address – this does NOT give you permission to email them without asking first. This is another great way to be deleted. The best way to handle a “permission to email” that I’ve come across was the use of an introductory email. This businessman emailed all his contacts informing them he was going to launch a newsletter. He talked about what would be in it… his goals for it, etc. Then he asked for permission to send it to each person on his list, if they did not provide permission, they would not receive it. THIS was a great way to ask for permssion to send information. Another tip: BCC email addresses .. no one likes their email address floating around to strangers.
4. Give to receive…. there is no better “golden rule” in social media then this. I don’t mean giving out free advice and free e-books either …. help people with their situations, put your knowledge out there for others to learn from and always help promote / brand other’s … it will come back to you in big ways!
5. Don’t be afraid to dig in …. part of what I’ve learned out there has been from doing things wrong. While it’s not fun to get those rude emails / comments… it is a great way to learn. Don’t be afraid to take criticism … it will only make you better. I personally have thanked those with their comments…. it’s a great way to make a new friend!
I hope this helps start you in your New Media experience…. If you are looking for ways to connect with me … my list is the right of my blog! Remember – “in your face” advertising is not what Social Media / Networking is all about….
See ya on the Media side!
